L.A. Rams appeal judge ruling, seek arbitration over facility dispute
The Los Angeles Rams have appealed a St. Louis ruling that would allow the court to rule on its dispute over the former Rams practice facility in Earth City, arguing that the contract should be settled in arbitration instead of the legal system.
EARTH CITY, Mo. - The Los Angeles Rams appealed a St. Louis ruling that would allow the court—not private arbitrators—to rule on its ongoing dispute over the former Rams practice facility in Earth City.
The appeal comes after St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Jason Sengheiser denied a motion to compel arbitration earlier in the month. By denying the motion, the judge had cleared the way for the lawsuit to proceed in court, potentially delaying or complicating the Rams’ efforts to acquire the facility.
At issue is a clause that allows the Rams to purchase the former practice facility for $1. In October, the St. Louis Sports Authority filed a lawsuit that aimed to put out of action the 1995 provision that would allow the LA Rams to purchase the facility located at 1 Athletic Drive, formerly known as Rams Park. The Rams have attempted to buy the facility for $1 as part of a quit claim deed transfer.
The Rams argue that the contract should be settled in arbitration instead of the legal system but St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Jason Sengheiser denied the Rams' motion, leading to the appeal.
Arbitration is a private alternative to courts that would allow a third party to bring resolutions to disputes. The initiative is often used by businesses to shield themselves from public scrutiny and limit their liability, according to our partners at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The St. Louis Sports Authority continues to fight that part of the lease agreement.
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